RYA Musto Youth Awards recognise inspirational young sailors

A new generation of inspirational sailors were recognised in the RYA Musto Regional Youth Awards, presented this afternoon (01 March) at the RYA Dinghy Show.

The awards celebrate the achievements of young people in the sport whether it’s on the racecourse, volunteering, instructing, coaching or overcoming adversity. They were presented to seven of the 11 regional winners by RYA Chair, Chris Preston, alongside Olympic champion Hannah Mills and her world championship-winning crew Eilidh McIntyre.

Tom Brindley, 18, winner of the North West Award regularly volunteers as an instructor at Redesmere Sailing Club despite his heavy racing and training schedule and works with both adults and young people including children who have been excluded from school.

“It was a surprise really as I didn’t know I had been nominated for it. It’s exciting to know that people like to recognise the achievement, not just from the performance side but also from the coaching and volunteer side too.”

Also picking up an award was RYA North East winner Rebecca Finlay (17). Rebecca is well on her way to becoming a Senior Instructor and is always willing to give up her own time at short notice so other people at the Derwenthaugh Sea Cadet Boat Station can get out on the water.

“It was a huge honour. I teach most weekends and a few courses during the week and sail every Tuesday. I also got my Powerboat Instructor qualification last year. Sailing has definitely given me confidence to try new things. I’d love a career which involves being out on the water. I’d love to be a professional racer but I wouldn’t mind being a coach or something- anything dinghy sailing!”

Eilidh McIntyre commented: “Congratulations to all the winners. It was a real honour to meet them all today. These young people are doing so much for their communities and the people in their club and they are a true inspiration to us all.”

Emma Jackson, Musto Brand Marketing Manager, said: “Musto have come on board as a partner of the RYA Musto Regional Youth Awards and it’s been fantastic meeting all the inspirational winners today and celebrating their incredible work.

"We are pleased to champion sailing from grassroots all the way through to upper echelons of the sport through our partnerships with the British Youth Sailing and the British Sailing Team; these awards provide the perfect opportunity to do just that."

2020 RYA Musto Regional Youth Award Winners

RYA London and South East winner: Hugo Valentine

RYA North West winner: Tom Brindley

RYA South winner: Monique Vennis-Ozanne

RYA South West winner: Grace Cowd

RYA Scotland winner: Mary Kennedy

RYA Wales winner: Huw Farmer

RYA Midlands winner: Nieve Ball

RYA East winner: Harry Sutton

RYA Northern Ireland winner: Amy Armstrong and James Corbett

Click for more information about the RYA Musto Regional Youth Awards.